YearToAvoid

2020 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2020 Lexus RX has a complaint index of 80, ranking 5th worst out of 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Airbags account for 46% of its 46 complaints, with one recall tied to a sensor issue shared across several Toyota and Lexus models.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
80/100
#5 of 21 RX years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
46
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
6
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Top issue
Airbags
Best nearby year
2016
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
29.5
30 city / 28 hwy
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Top 2020 Lexus RX problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags21 (46%)
  2. Other8 (17%)
  3. Electrical System5 (11%)
  4. Engine5 (11%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (11%)
  6. Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (9%)
  7. Fuel System2 (4%)
  8. Structure & Body2 (4%)
  9. Brakes1 (2%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain1 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report unintended forward acceleration at low speeds while parking or coasting into a garage, sometimes striking obstacles.
  • Some describe rear-end collisions where airbags failed to deploy despite a crushed front or rear end.
  • Others report sudden automatic braking on the highway with no vehicle or object nearby.
  • Electrical complaints include unexpected warnings combining hybrid malfunction, drivetrain mode changes, and a burning smell, prompting a tow.
  • One owner reported a sunroof that shattered spontaneously during highway driving.
  • Owners of Michelin Premier LTX tires on this RX report premature tire deterioration with a risk of rupture, unaddressed by recall.
2020 Lexus RX complaints: complaints filed per month4Aug 2021Jun 2022Dec 2023Oct 2024Apr 2025Aug 2025Apr 2026Sep 2026
46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Oct 2024 (4).

2020 Lexus RX recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles

    Air bags:sensor:occupant classification

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

2020 Lexus RX fuel economy and fuel cost

City
30 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
29.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2020 compared with other RX years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Good3525029.5
2019Caution6034129.5
2020Avoid8046129.5
2021Avoid10069129.5
2022Caution7029029.5

All Lexus RX years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Lexus RX reliable?
Among 21 model years of the RX, the 2020 ranks 5th worst with a complaint index of 80, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other RX years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Lexus RX?
Airbags are the top complaint area, making up 46% of the 46 complaints filed with NHTSA, including cases of non-deployment and unintended acceleration incidents involving crashes.
Does the 2020 Lexus RX have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (23V865000) affects the airbag sensor and covers multiple 2020-2021 Toyota and Lexus models including the RX350 and RX450H; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2020 RX compare to other RX years?
The 2020 RX's complaint index of 80 is higher than most other years; only 2021 (100), 2023 (90), 2024 (95), and 2025 (85) rank worse, while years like 2012 and 2015 earn Best verdicts.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Lexus RX?
EPA rates the 2020 RX at 29.5 mpg combined (30 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.